The third Republican presidential debate of 2023 is set to take place on Wednesday in Miami. However, the field of candidates has narrowed, with former President Donald Trump choosing not to participate despite leading in the polls. This debate comes on the heels of the Democrats' strong showing in recent elections, which provided insight into voters' attitudes leading up to the next presidential election. Notably, Ohio became the first GOP-led state to enshrine the right to an abortion in its state constitution since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Additionally, Virginia Democrats won control of both chambers in the state's legislature, and Kentucky's Democratic Governor Andy Beshear won re-election in his traditionally Republican state.

The debate is expected to touch on the ongoing crisis in Israel and Gaza, following Hamas' attack on Israel in early October. In a show of solidarity, more than 20 Jewish students from Florida have been invited to watch the debate by Senator Tim Scott. NBC News is hosting the debate at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, and it will be moderated by Lester Holt, Kristen Welker, and radio host Hugh Hewitt.

For those looking to watch the debate, it will be aired on NBC stations across the country and streamed on NBC News NOW, as well as NBCNews.com and Peacock. The debate will feature five candidates on stage, as set by the Republican National Committee's criteria. Former Governor Chris Christie, Governor Ron DeSantis, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and Senator Tim Scott have all qualified. Notably absent will be former Vice President Mike Pence, who dropped out of the race last month. Governors Doug Burgum of North Dakota and Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas also failed to meet the requirements to participate.

Despite the debates, recent polls indicate that Donald Trump remains the frontrunner among likely Republican primary voters, with 61% of the support. Governor DeSantis follows with 18%, Haley with 9%, Ramaswamy with 5%, and Scott with 4%. Interestingly, the indictments against Trump have had little impact on voters' opinions, with only 12% saying it worsened their view of him and 54% stating that they do not matter.

As for Trump's absence from the debate, this is not the first time. Similar to the previous debates, he has chosen not to participate, instead opting to hold a rally in Hialeah, Florida, half an hour away from the debate site. Trump has been busy this week with his civil fraud case in New York and continues to face multiple legal challenges. Meanwhile, it is expected that Haley and DeSantis will engage in verbal sparring during the debate. Haley released a video criticizing DeSantis' record on fracking and drilling, indicating a potential clash on stage.

Overall, this debate marks an important moment in the Republican primary race, with the remaining candidates seeking to make their mark in the absence of the frontrunner, Donald Trump. The outcome of the debate and the continued support for Trump in the polls will undoubtedly shape the direction of the Republican Party's 2024 presidential campaign.